Have you ever wondered how to take better photos? I’ve learned a few things from trial and error through blogging. Trust me, looking at photos of yourself can be a not so fun process, and you definitely figure out what works and what doesn’t. Today I thought I should share a few tips for posing for pictures. Though this definitely has a slant towards blog photos, it works for anything. Single photos, group shots, anything!
How to Take Better Photos – Tips for Posing for Pictures
1. Body position is key!
I don’t know how to say this politely – tilt your hip/pelvic area back just slightly. I think by default, we all have a tendency to push our bodies forward a little while our shoulders and heads are farther back. This makes our hips/legs look larger as it puts the emphasis on them. With this one small adjustment, you will take a better photo. Do me a favor, in your full length mirror, try this out and see if I am not telling the truth on the difference it makes. I am doing it in the photo below and you cannot even tell. You don’t want to do it so much that it looks as if your whole body is angled and obvious. Just enough to flatter.
2. Put one foot forward slightly.
In combination with the tip above, try putting one foot a bit in front of the other one. With these two tips alone, you will take a great photo. Putting one foot forward angles your body just a bit so you aren’t totally straight on with the camera and flatters your legs. Win, win!
3. If you want candid photos, try looking down or to the side.
I don’t always want a static, “here I am smiling” photo, so I will look away from the camera, smile, and move around a bit. Trust me, we take quite a few photos to get the 5-7 I post on each blog post.
4. Move around!
Though moving around always means I end up with some ridiculous outtakes, it helps get some more natural shots too. If you are feeling silly or stuck, move around a bit. Walk, twirl in a dress, do a variety of poses one right after the other, and just ask the photographer to snap away. You’ll be surprised at what type of shots you may get and like.
5. When taking walking photos, look away from the camera and don’t walk directly towards it.
This is probably just a personal preference, but when I take walking photos I prefer to look away from the camera. I think the effect is a more natural street style look. Often my hair looks more “in motion.” You will also never see me walking directly towards the camera. Trust me, those are not flattering shots. Russ is always at an angle from me or all the way to my side.
6. Watch your posture.
I try pretty hard to watch my posture, specifically my shoulders, while taking photos. I think I actually hold them up and back a little. Again, something you might want to practice in the mirror if you really are blogging and taking photos regularly.
8. Consider props.
If you are nervous about what to do with your hands, consider having a prop like a bag you can carry with your hands or a coffee, both of which I have in these photos. This tip is obviously more directed towards bloggers, but it can really help when you are first getting used to taking photos.
8. Smile, have fun, and be yourself!
I guess this might be a personal rule since a lot of people don’t smile for their blog photos, but smiling is definitely my style. You are beautiful. Let your light and confidence show. Be yourself!
The more you do it, the more used to it you will become. You’ll start to get your “go-to” poses and movements down. Russ and I shoot each outfit in about 5 minutes. It’s hysterical. We start with our normal full body shots. Then he says, “Okay, you want to walk?” “Now some close ups?” And we are done! Perks of shooting with my amazing husband!
So there you have it, those are my tips for how to take better photos. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any questions or if this type of post is helpful.
Shop My Outfit
Click the photos below to shop my outfit. I have been on the hunt for a few things I can wear all spring/summer with Ivy Jean that are more casual since I stay home now. A lot of my wardrobe is different. I needed some more casual t-shirt type tops and some comfy yet cute shoes. I am obsessed with these sandals (size up a half size).
Linking up with Rachelle
25 Comments
This is such a helpful post. I do some of those things, but some are new. I’m definitely going to give these suggestions a try.
Great tips for taking blog photos Amy! I am the queen of awkward when it comes to posing. I do well with straight on shots but there’s not much options for just standing tall! Those sandals look so comfortable and I love the height.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I’m the worst at remembering to stand up straight, sometimes I ask my photographer to constantly remind me! Getting a few great shots for a blog post usually means getting a whole lot of not so good ones first!
Chic on the Cheap
Such great tips, Amy Ann! I love the one where you said to not have them take a photo of you straight on when you’re walking. I need to tell my husband that. I always love Starbucks drink props! haha!
Carrie
crulycraftymom.com
Your photos are always so great, these are some great tips!
I like the one foot forward pose – always looks good.
Hope you’re having a great start to your week!
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Okay, I actually learned something from this post and I’ve been posing for blog photos for ages, lol! Totally going to have my photog stand to the side when I take walking shots now- before, I NEVER liked them! I think your trick is the key!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Great tips! I think over the years since I’ve been blogging I’ve tailored my poses. And I almost always smile because that’s what feels natural to me! I love following the high fashion bloggers because I’m envious of their ability to pose! You always do a great job 🙂
So many great tips! Thanks for sharing girly xo
Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2019/05/tiered-floral-dress.html
I’ve never thought about how I pose this way, but you are spot on! Great tips and post! Love that tee, I just bought a flutter sleeve tank that’s almost identical!
Meagan
http://www.meagansmoda.com
These are all such great tips! I never knew what to do with my hands when I first started taking photos and so I started always using a bag as a prop to hold. I can’t wait to try out some of these!
Making it look natural is something you’ve mastered! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
You bring up some great points Amy!! We’ve been saying “we’re moving and grooving”, so that we aren’t posing in place as much lately.
XOXO
Jodie
So many great tips! The first one – makes all the difference – but takes practice!
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
Oh I was so excited to see this post! Your photos are always amazing and I can use all the help I can get! Loved reading your tips. I’ve never tried the pelvis tilt but I guess I better start experimenting in the mirror! Ha ha!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Such great tips!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
These are great tips Amy Ann. I definitely follow similar steps as well!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I’ve been working on taking better blog photos and these tips are so helpful! I definitely need to move around more and use props! Thank you for sharing this!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I definitely will be forever awkward with blog shoot posing but I LOVE all of these tips!
Rosy Outlook
these are such great tips, you look adorable. These sandals look so comfortable.
xo
Pinksole
These are the best tips and you are sincerely the CUTEST!!